Jammu corporators face funds shortage, works hit

Jammu: More than two months after being elected, the corporators of the 75 wards of the Jammu Municipal Corporation are finding it difficult to carry out developmental works due to non release of funds.

Corporators, particularly women, from the BJP, Congress and Independents complained that they were unable to live up to the people’s expectations and redress their grievances.

“We are looking forward to early conduct of the parliamentary elections as we hope that the Centre will release funds to the corporators then only as the voting season will be at its peak,” said an aggrieved Independent corporator, Anu Bali.

Bali said the construction of a drain needed huge funds and Rs 10 lakh announced by the mayor was not enough.

Seconding her view, Ritu Chaudhary, Congress corporator, said talks were going on with the mayor for enhancement of funds. “He has assured us that he will take up the enhancement of funds at an appropriate level,” she said.

BJP corporator Nidhi Magotra also said lack of funds had halted developmental works.

“One junior engineer deployed to make estimates of works has to look after four wards which is cumbersome. Besides, getting approval from various quarters is time consuming,” said Magotra.

Deputy mayor Purnima Sharma said the funds would be released to the corporators after getting estimates from them. “The present amount of Rs 10 lakh for each ward has to be spent till March 31. The amount will be revised in the next financial year,” she said.